Remove Moroccan Dragon Virus

The Moroccan Dragon Virus is a dangerous ransomware strain that encrypts files and demands a ransom for their release. It is mainly distributed through phishing emails, malicious attachments, and fake downloads. The ransomware modifies file extensions to .vico Dragon and leaves a ransom note named helpme.bat, threatening users and urging them to pay in Bitcoin. Paying the ransom does not guarantee data recovery, as attackers often refuse to provide the decryption key.

Moroccan Dragon Virus – Threat Summary

Feature	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Encrypted File Extension	.vico Dragon
Ransom Note File Name	helpme.bat
Associated Email Addresses	Not specified
Detection Names	Varies by antivirus vendors
Symptoms of Infection	Files renamed with .vico Dragon extension, ransom note left on the system, system slowdowns, inability to open files, changes in Windows settings.
Damage	File encryption, potential data theft, system instability, registry modifications, deletion of shadow copies and backups.
Distribution Methods	Phishing emails, malicious attachments, fake software downloads, exploit kits.
Danger Level	High

Moroccan Dragon Virus – What It Does

Once installed, the Moroccan Dragon Virus encrypts all files on the infected system and changes their extensions to .vico Dragon. The malware also contacts a remote server to download additional threats and modify system settings. Some key actions include:

• Searching for and encrypting specific file types (videos, documents, images, etc.).
• Stealing sensitive information before encryption.
• Deleting Windows shadow copies and backups to prevent recovery.
• Modifying the Windows Registry for persistence.
• Dropping malicious files in Windows directories such as:
  • %Local%
  • %Temp%
  • %Windows%
  • %SystemDrive%
  • %LocalLow%
  • %AppData%
  • %System%
  • %system32%

After encrypting files, the virus leaves a ransom note that contains the following message:

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WOOPS, YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED!

Your important files have been encrypted by a sophisticated ransomware.

CAN I RECOVER MY FILES?
No, you can’t recover your files. There is no decryption tool.
We made this ransomware for no earning purpose, just to destroy your
system for fun.

WARNING
Do not try to reboot or shutdown this system, otherwise the computer will be completely damaged. Windows recovery mode has been disabled, shadow copies and backup catalog have been deleted, there is no way to escape.

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Attackers sometimes allow users to decrypt up to three small files (under 5MB, excluding databases) as proof of their capabilities.

What Are .vico Dragon Encrypted Files?

Files affected by Moroccan Dragon ransomware have the .vico Dragon extension and cannot be opened without decryption. The ransomware typically encrypts:

• Documents (.docx, .pptx, .xlsx, etc.)
• Images (.jpg, .png, .gif, etc.)
• Audio files (.mp3, .wav, etc.)
• Video files (.mp4, .avi, etc.)
• Archives (.zip, .rar, etc.)
• Other frequently used files

Since attackers do not provide a guaranteed decryption tool, paying the ransom is not advisable.

Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.